Behind the scenes, Leicester City and Everton are no doubt busy compiling shortlists to fill their respective managerial vacancies. As Premier League clubs with substantial budgets and expectations of finishing in the top half despite slow starts, there will be a wealth of interest. Several high profile names have already been linked to the two positions, some more justifiably than others.
Yesterday Ryan Giggs threw his hat into the ring. “I think you look at those two teams, Leicester being champions two seasons ago, Everton being a fantastic club with a fantastic history, for me these are clubs I would be interested in,” he told Sky Sports. “However, there are a lot of coaches out there who would be interested in those positions.”
The key difference is that others putting their names forward will have the requisite experience and managerial stature to do so. Giggs simply doesn’t. He’s managed just four matches at senior level, as caretaker at Manchester United after the dismissal of David Moyes. Although he may well prove to be a capable manager one day, so far he has done nothing to warrant being seriously considered by either Leicester or Everton.
After retiring in 2014, Giggs was initially being groomed for the role of Manchester United manager, as assistant to Moyes and then Louis van Gaal, but hasn't struck out on his own since Jose Mourinho's arrival. His departure from the club’s coaching staff was announced within a week and there have been few developments to note during his year out.
Giggs was briefly linked with the Swansea job last September, following the sacking of Francesco Guidolin, and met the owners a couple of times. It was reported that he performed poorly in interview and Bob Bradley was appointed instead. Former Wales teammate Robbie Savage jumped to Giggs’ defence, farcically claiming that he shouldn’t have to undergo the interview process because his pedigree speaks for itself.
This sort of attitude is part of the problem. Former players, no matter how successful or well regarded, should be looking to serve their apprenticeships at the lower levels and work their way up rather than expecting to be handed a plum job on the basis of reputation alone. There can’t be an assumption that they will make great managers, allowing them to jump the queue ahead of those who are far more deserving. It’s a pernicious and unwarranted entitlement that plenty seem to feel.
Like many players who thrived under Alex Ferguson, mere association with a managerial great is thought to be enough. While some, like Steve Bruce and Mark Hughes, have proved their worth over time, others have been promoted way beyond their ability. Gary Neville had a particularly chastening experience in his first role at Valencia, while Bryan Robson became a serial failure. A great leader on the pitch, his knowledge and understanding off it was regularly found to be wanting.
Just because many have benefited from this trend before, doesn’t mean that that's any reason for Giggs to join the list. His managerial credentials have yet to be tested and it would be a crass decision for anyone to allow him to go straight in at the top. There are lessons that need to be learned first, humility and patience chief amongst them.
The manager who eventually saved Swansea is a prime example. Having not progressed beyond non-League as a player, Paul Clement started coaching in 1999, slowly building his reputation. Through impressing in various youth and academy roles, he earned the chance to become Carlo Ancelotti’s assistant at several clubs. Managerial offers eventually followed.
By dint of a stellar playing career, Giggs hasn’t had to do the hard yards. Opportunities have simply been handed to him, seemingly increasing his expectation that this is how the world works. He shouldn’t have to prove himself in football, because he already has. It would be negligent of any club to indulge this delusion.
